Indian attorney Paul Echohawk says the state of Idaho should give up its jurisdiction over the Fort Hall Reservation.

Under Public Law 280, the state shares concurrent jurisdiction with the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes. Echohawk says this arrangement hinders law enforcement on the reservation. He says state and tribal programs are underfunded.

The Idaho Legislature considered retroceding its jurisdiction in 1999 but some lawmakers and law enforcement objected.

Get the Story:
Jurisdiction debate persists despite interagency pac (The Idaho State Journal 2/14)

Relevant Links:
Shoshone-Bannock Tribes - http://www.shoshonebannocktribes.com

Related Stories:
Idaho tribe to sign law enforcement agreement (02/03)
Center will serve as tribe's justice department (02/11)
BIA taking comments on tribal justice center in Idaho (01/20)